The adverse effects of early spay or neutering.

Numerous research studies support the negative impact of pediatric desexing of canines. Our puppy contract is written with this in mind, requiring our placed dogs to remain intact until 18 months of age for the health agreement to be valid.

• An Update on the Health Effects of Spay/Neuter in Dogs

• Health Implications of Spay and Neuter: Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever

• Health Implications of Early Spay/Neuter on Canine Health

• Watch: Dr. Becker: The Truth About Spaying and Neutering

Dr. Suzanne Valente’s site, Happy and Healthy Dog is a great resource of consolidated research explaining this further.

Hormone-sparing sterilization is an alternative method to traditional spay and neuter, but it’s not for everyone. Additionally, it’s not offered at all vet practices. More information is available from the Parsemus Foundation website and flyer. We opted for ovarian-sparing-spay for one of our own dogs and are happy to discuss our experience.

Health Clearances

All of our breeding dogs undergo suggested health testing for the breed. A copy of each certification is provided as part of our puppy packet. The links below provide more detail on the registry and testings companies we use.

• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)

• Companion Animal Eye Registry

• Paw Print Genetics

The Labrador Retriever Standard

We strive to produce dogs that are respected examples of their standard. Links below are to the AKC standard, both written and illustrated versions.

• The Labrador Retriever Standard

• Illustrated Standard

Training Resources

We strongly encourage working with a local trainer, especially for a first-time dog owner, however there are a number of online resources that can supplement in-person training.

• Leerburg.com - Provides an abundance of free and premium training material (articles, courses, online streams and DVDs). The free course, How we Manage Dogs in Our Home is a great starting point to understanding proper management of a new puppy in your home to prevent unwanted behaviors.

• Welcome Home Puppy Tips & Practical Dog Life Facebook Group has a number of great puppy raising tips. I personally love the different ideas for puppy pacifiers for helping with crate training and teaching the art of settling/doing nothing.

• Baxter & Bella Online Puppy School - Life-time membership includes step-by-step programs, live and on demand courses and access to 1:1 meetings with a trainer ( via phone or virtual meeting). Free content available via their YouTube Channel and Podcast.

  Use the code TROUVAE for 25% off membership

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